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Results for “Optical imaging”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 55 records · Page 3
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1993

Optical imaging and long-slit spectroscopy of Markarian galaxies with multiple nuclei. I - Basic data

Optical CCD images and long-slit spectroscopic data are presented for over 100 Markarian (UV-excess) galaxies reported in early studies to possess multiple optical nuclei or extreme morphological peculiarities suggestive of galaxy collisions and mergers. Stacked broad-band images are presented with histogram equalization in order to show simultaneously the nuclei and features at very low surface-brightness levels. Morphological properties, luminosities and colors of the integral systems are given. Photometric and image properties of over 200 individual nuclei and giant H II regions have been measured with respect to the local backgrounds in the galaxies using an objective image finding algorithm. Labeled contour plots identify the measured subcomponents. Two-dimensional spectral data are presented, in addition to intensity profiles along the slit in the light of H-alpha + forbidden N II emission lines and adjacent continuum. Nuclear emission-line measurements, reddening estimates, monochromatic continuum magnitudes, and colors are given.

Mazzarella, Joseph M.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Real-time optical image processing techniques

Nonlinear real-time optical processing on spatial pulse frequency modulation has been pursued through the analysis, design, and fabrication of pulse frequency modulated halftone screens and the modification of micro-channel spatial light modulators (MSLMs). Micro-channel spatial light modulators are modified via the Fabry-Perot method to achieve the high gamma operation required for non-linear operation. Real-time nonlinear processing was performed using the halftone screen and MSLM. The experiments showed the effectiveness of the thresholding and also showed the needs of higher SBP for image processing. The Hughes LCLV has been characterized and found to yield high gamma (about 1.7) when operated in low frequency and low bias mode. Cascading of two LCLVs should also provide enough gamma for nonlinear processing. In this case, the SBP of the LCLV is sufficient but the uniformity of the LCLV needs improvement. These include image correlation, computer generation of holograms, pseudo-color image encoding for image enhancement, and associative-retrieval in neural processing. The discovery of the only known optical method for dynamic range compression of an input image in real-time by using GaAs photorefractive crystals is reported. Finally, a new architecture for non-linear multiple sensory, neural processing has been suggested.

Liu, Hua-Kuang↗
NASA NTRS1992

Acousto-Optical Imaging Spectropolarimeter

Imaging spectropolarimeter designed around acousto-optical tunable filter (AOTF) takes polarization-specific spectral images of solid surfaces, aerosols, and absorption and emission phenomena in gas phase, at wavelengths from 500 to 1,000 nm. Produces side-by-side spectral images in two mutually perpendicular polarizations, one corresponding to ordinary, other corresponding to extraordinary waves in acousto-optical material. Offers large aperture, high resolving power, and rapid tunability, with no moving parts.

Saif, Babak↗
NASA NTRS1992

POLARIS-II - An acousto-optic imaging spectropolarimeter for ground-based astronomy

A compact, acousto-optic tunable filter (AOTF) imaging spectropolarimeter for ground based astronomy from 400-1100 nm has been constructed at NASA/GSFC. The key components of this instrument are a TeO2 non-collinear AOTF, CCD camera, and an all-reflective optical relay assembly which uses a single elliptical mirror to produce side-by-side orthogonally polarized spectral images. The instrument was used at the Lowell Observatory 42-inch telescope for 'first light' planetary imaging and measurements of photometric standard stars. Narrow-band images of Saturn near 700 nm appear to show polarization effects which result from multiple scattering by aerosols. The instrument has recently been upgraded in order to integrate the RF drive electronics and eliminate contamination by scattered light. Design of the instrument and some initial results are presented.

Glenar, D. A.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Nonlinear Coherent Optical Image Processing Using Logarithmic Transmittance of Bacteriorhodopsin Films

The transmission properties of some bacteriorhodopsin-film spatial light modulators are uniquely suited to allow nonlinear optical image-processing operations to be applied to images with multiplicative noise characteristics. A logarithmic amplitude-transmission characteristic of the film permits the conversion of multiplicative noise to additive noise, which may then be linearly filtered out in the Fourier plane of the transformed image. I present experimental results demonstrating the principle and the capability for several different image and noise situations, including deterministic noise and speckle. The bacteriorhodopsin film studied here displays the logarithmic transmission response for write intensities spanning a dynamic range greater than 2 orders of magnitude.

Downie, John D.↗
NASA NTRS1987

NASA/JPL study on optical imaging interferometry in space

The overall instrument morphology, optical design, structural configurations, and control and systems design for spaceborne optical interferometry are discussed. Launch stowage and on-orbit deployment considerations favor a Very Large Array Y-configuration, shuttle launched.

Synnott, S. P.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Development and evaluation of techniques for using combined microwave and optical image data for vegetation studies

Techniques for using combined image data from the Shuttle Imaging Radar (SIR-B) and the LANDSAT Thematic Mapper (TM) or Multispectral Scanner (MSS) for studies of irrigated crops, and boreal and deciduous forests are developed and evaluated. The effects of the structure and composition of crop canopies and soil surfaces on multiangle L-band HH (Horizontal polarization for transmission and reception) backscattering and on optical reflectance (in TM or MSS bands viewed at the nadir) are investigated. The relative accuracy of digital, calibrated SIR-B image data and LANDSAT TM or MSS image data is evaluated. Textural information extraction-techniques are developed for radar and optical image analysis.

Paris, J. F.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Optical imaging of flavor order in flat band graphene

Abstract Spin- and valley flavor polarization plays a central role in the many-body physics of flat band graphene, with Fermi surface reconstruction — often accompanied by quantized anomalous Hall and superconducting state — observed in a variety of experimental systems. Here we describe an optical technique that sensitively and selectively detects flavor textures via the exciton response of a proximal transition metal dichalcogenide layer. Through a systematic study of rhombohedral and rotationally faulted graphene bilayers and trilayers, we show that when the semiconducting dichalcogenide is in direct contact with the graphene, the exciton response is most sensitive to the large momentum rearrangement of the Fermi surface, providing information that is distinct from and complementary to electrical compressibility measurements. The wide-field imaging capability of optical probes allows us to obtain spatial maps of flavor order with high throughput, and with broad temperature and device compatibility. Our work helps pave the way for optical probing and imaging of flavor orders in flat band graphene systems.

Science & Technology - Other Topics↗
NASA NTRS1986

An optical imaging and polarimetric study of the Lynds 723 and Barnard 335 molecular outflow regions

Optical polarization measurements are reported for a sample of stars viewed through the periphery of two dense molecular clouds, Barnard 335 and Lynds 723. These observations suggest that the direction of the magnetic field threading these clouds lies along position angle 111 + or - 4 deg for B335 and 90 + or - 8 deg for L723. In each case, the deduced field direction is approximately parallel to the direction defined by a collimated bipolar molecular outflow driven by a highly obscured FIR source. R, I, and H-alpha CCD images of these regions reveal knots of optical emission apparently associated with the molecular outflows. In the case of L723, two emission features are found within the blueshifted wing of the molecular outflow; along with the FIR source, these knots define a position angle nearly identical to that of the molecular flow. For B335, the observed emission knot lies in the redshifted wing of the molecular outflow along a position angle approximately equal to that of the flow.

Vrba, F. J.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Simultaneous detection and intensity estimation of an optical image

A statistical model for simultaneous detection and single parameter estimation of a stochastic signal against background noise is obtained. Two strategies, Bayes and maximum likelihood, are discussed. The detection of an optical point source imaged on a photosensitive surface and the estimation of its intensity based on such strategies are examined. An almost optimum estimate is also proposed and its statistical properties are studied.

Wang, L.↗
NASA NTRS1991

The dust enshrouded quasar in the ultraluminous galaxy Markarian 463 - Radio, near-infrared, and optical imaging

New imaging data are presented at radio, near-infrared, and optical wavelengths to elucidate the processes associated with the ongoing merger and nuclear activity in Mrk 463. Imaging at 20 cm reveals previously unknown components 4 arcsec north and 18 arcsec south of Mrk 463E, and a source 10 arcsec to the northwest which is believed to be linked to the nuclear region. The western nucleus, Mrk 463W, was detected at 6 and 20 cm; it has a radio luminosity comparable to that of a moderately luminous Seyfert galaxy or a highly luminous starburst galaxy. Near-infrared images at wavelengths less than 2.3 microns show the two nuclei; only Mrk 463E has been detected at 3.7 microns. Brightness profiles of Mrk 463E are unresolved at K and L-prime, but extended at J. It is inferred from the fact that radio continuum components 4-18 kpc from the nucleus are aligned with previously known 0.05-1.5 kpc radio structure and extended conical O-III forbidden omission lines that Mrk 463E is powering weak radio lobes and therefore exemplifies a transition between the confined linear sources in Seyfert galaxies and the extended lobes in classical quasars and radio galaxies.

Mazzarella, J. M.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Design concepts for an on-board coherent optical image processor

On-board spacecraft image data processing systems for transmitting processed data rather than raw data are discussed. A brief history of the development of the optical data processing techniques is presented along with the conceptual design of a coherent optical system with a noncoherent image input.

Husain-Abidi, A. S.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Simulated optical images of galaxies at z about 1 using ultraviolet images of nearby galaxies

Ultraviolet sounding rocket images of several nearby galaxies are used to simulate the appearance in optical bandpasses of similar systems at redshifts z = 0.5-2.67, as observed by the WFPC on HST and by ground-based instruments. Since the morphology of galaxies is a strong function of the wavelength, the appearance of galaxies at large redshifts is subjected to a large k-correction effect. The strong dependence of monochromatic surface brightness on redshift also implies that observed morphology of distant systems will be crucially dependent on the limiting surface brightness set by the sky background. Although the angle subtended by sources depends only weakly on z, the fraction of a galaxy whose surface brightness is above the detection threshold varies strongly with z. Morphological distinctions of spiral from elliptical, spiral from irregular, and barred from unbarred types become more difficult, as does accurate evaluation of interactions or of the local environment.

Bohlin, Ralph C.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Acoustic-optical imaging without immersion

System using membraneous end wall of Bragg cell to separate test specimen from acoustic transmission medium, operates in real time and uses readily available optical components. System can be easily set up and maintained by people with little or no training in holography.

Liu, H.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Infrared and optical imaging of IRAS sources with CO outflow - A snapshot of early star formation

We present multiband imaging of three IRAS sources associated with CO molecular outflows. We find stellar density enhancements around all three IRAS sources. Optical and near-IR photometry indicates that at least 60 percent of the near-IR sources in the vicinity of the IRAS sources are pre-main-sequence stars. Using the photometric data at nbL and M, we are able to identify candidates for the near-IR counterparts of the IRAS sources. We also find that (1) the spectral energy distribution of the deeply embedded sources could be complicated by source confusion and scattered light from the young stellar objects; (2) star formation in the vicinity of the IRAS sources is a continuous process with an age span of 0.5-3 Myr; and (3) stellar density enhancement is probably a phenomenon found at the earliest stage of star formation.

Chen, H.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Adaptive Optics Imaging of Solar System Objects

Most solar system objects have never been observed at wavelengths longer than the R band with an angular resolution better than 1". The Hubble Space Telescope itself has only recently been equipped to observe in the infrared. However, because of its small diameter, the angular resolution is lower than that one can now achieved from the ground with adaptive optics, and time allocated to planetary science is limited. We have successfully used adaptive optics on a 4-m class telescope to obtain 0.1" resolution images of solar system objects in the far red and near infrared (0.7-2.5 microns), aE wavelengths which best discl"lmlnate their spectral signatures. Our efforts have been put into areas of research for which high angular resolution is essential.

Roddier, Francois↗